Good question

A reader named “Lemmy Klimster” commented on yesterday’s column regarding the AIG bonus situation: “Since Mr. Harsanyi is being a shrill (sic) for AIG and defending the indefensible the first thing I would ask is how much stock and money does he have invested with AIG.”

Well, the answer would be zero — unless my shrinking 401 (k) fund has invested in AIG stock. And since I opposed bailing out banks from the get go, it would seem that, using his logic, I am actively working against the interests of the company. Either way, it’s a silly question. The column is about following principle rather abusing power.

But according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan group that tallies federal campaign contributions, many lawmakers received large campaign contributions from AIG employees during the 2008 election while the company was in financial straits.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.